Researchers have discovered a new type of neuron that plays a fundamental role in recognition memory—the process by which the brain differentiates between new and familiar objects and forms long-term memories. These neurons, named “ovoid cells,” are found in the hippocampus of mice, humans, and other mammals.
This discovery provides key insights into how memories form and could aid in the treatment of brain conditions related to object recognition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and epilepsy.
In a study published today in Nature Communications, researchers identified these highly specialized neurons, which activate whenever we encounter something new. This activation triggers a process that stores objects in memory, allowing us to recognize them months—or potentially even years—later.
“Object recognition memory is central to our identity and how we interact with the world,” said Dr. Mark Cembrowski, the study’s senior author and an associate professor of cellular and physiological sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and an investigator at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. “Knowing whether an object is familiar or new can influence everything from survival to day-to-day functioning, and has significant implications for memory-related diseases and disorders.”
Ovoid cells, named for their distinct egg-like shape, are present in relatively small numbers within the hippocampus of humans, mice, and other animals.
Adrienne Kinman, a PhD student in Dr. Cembrowski’s lab and the study’s lead author, discovered the cells’ unique properties while analyzing a mouse brain sample. She noticed a small cluster of neurons with highly distinctive gene expression.
“Further analysis showed that these cells are quite distinct from other neurons at a cellular and functional level, as well as in terms of their neural circuitry,” Kinman explained.
The researchers are now investigating the role ovoid cells play in various brain disorders. They hypothesize that when these cells become dysregulated—either too active or not active enough—they may contribute to symptoms of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.
(ANI)
